Does 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Have Towing Capacity and Parts Needed to Tow Small Trailer

Question:

I have a chevy cruze diesel and getting a curt hitch installed with 2” ball. Will the car be able to handle a 4 x 6 trailer in top picture 600 pounds empty/2000 gvwr idk what this means? Or should i just haul a smaller motorcycle trailer in bottom picture 192 pounds empty/560 pounds of cargo? Driving cross country and uphill for about 4000 miles. I could use the extra space with the 4 x 6 but not at the cost of damage to the car but will make do with the smaller trailer.

asked by: Lakenya

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the owner's manual for your 2017 Chevy Cruze and on page 261 it states "The vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer" so I cannot recommend you do so, though the decision is of course up to you. If you do decide to tow, then you will absolutely want to go with the lightest, smallest of the trailers.

For a diesel model of '17 Cruze the available trailer hitch from Curt is part # C11492, and since you mentioned 2" ball I assume you are also using the Euro Style Drawbar # C45572 which is designed for use with this hitch, though if the smaller trailer has a 1-7/8" coupler you can use the Euro Style Drawbar with 1-7/8" Ball # C45571, which is also designed for use with this hitch. Both will require Curt Class I and II Pin and Clip # F-4.

You will also need a wiring harness to power your trailer lights, and the correct part for your Cruze is going to depend on if you have a hatchback or sedan; for a hatchback the correct harness is Wiring Harness # C56354 while for a sedan it is Wiring Harness # C56319.

Using all of this will give you a complete towing package for your long trip.